I was a heavy smoker from the age of 20 to 37. i quit three years ago, am now 40. lung cancer has run in my family with lifelong smokers. does quitting really make a difference with a familial history as far as cancer incidence?

More than our genes: We are more than our genes. Stopping smoking is beneficial to everyone, with and without a family history of lung cancer.

Lung cancer: I recommend you have your doctor do studies to make sure that a cancer is unlikely. That said, congrats for stopping cigarettes.

Absolutely: I am very glad you quit. Your risk will be much greater than other folks for the next fifteen years, but not so much as if you'd continued smoking. Further, you've got a good chance of actually being able to breathe well and exercise during your retirement years, which you wouldn't have if you hadn't stopped. Plus, who wants to kiss a smoker? You did the right thing and should be proud.

YES: ALL the statistics indicate that FAMILY HISTORY included CIGARETTE SMOKING is the #1 RISK FACTOR in the development of Cancer of the lung OF ALL TYPES! DO NOT "RATIONALIZE" smoking again ( I think that's what you are doing. NO?